06/08/2026
Dance recital 2026 ๐ This weekend was harder to get through than graduation. Maybe itโs because dance was something that I was always involved in with Lauren. I watched through the window when she started her first class at age 3. I saw her catch the performance bug after her first recital the next spring. I helped with hair and makeup until she became more of an expert than I could ever be. I witnessed her dancing in the Nutcracker several years in a row. I was right there when she accomplished her dream of being on pointe. I was even there when a diagnosis and MS flare tried to take all of it away from her. It didnโt stop her. And yesterday, I was there in the wings backstage, tears rolling down my cheeks, as I watched her perform the Senior Dance with her friends. What a privilege, what a gift, to have been by her side for all of it. Thank you to everyone who cheered her on, who pushed her, who prayed for her. This chapter is ending, and another exciting chapter will begin. I am so proud of you, Lauren. And Iโll try to let go and let you fly. ๐๐๐ป๐ฉฐ